Jane Maudsley, founder of Little Voices, says teachers and actors are keen to work with Little Voices

Little Voices, the national drama and singing lesson school headquartered in Lancashire is gearing for more growth as it continues to expand its franchise network in England and Wales.

Little Voices provides singing and drama lessons in small groups for boys and girls aged 4-18. Pupils gain official qualifications though LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) where grades count towards UCAS points for entrance into university

The booming business was established by Lancashire-born professional opera singer Jane Maudsley in 2007 with a single site in Blackburn.

Little Voices now has a franchise network of 72 centres operated by 25 individual franchisees who often have a background in professional teaching, acting or singing. This week it introduced two new franchises in Hampstead and Wiltshire and the business says demand is high from parents and children.

The business is targeting 60 franchisees before the end of 2020 and is also planning international expansion into the USA market.

Jane Maudsley, managing director of Little Voices, said:

“As the education system continues to reduce the emphasis on the importance of performing arts we are succeeding as a business by promoting the confidence, inspiration and friendships that it brings to young people.

“Parents recognise that confidence is a key life skill that will help their children get ahead not only during their school years but also later in life. Our franchisees are usually ex-teachers, television and film actors or people who can see the business opportunity in providing something which is very much in demand. We are keen to continue adding to our footprint of teachers and tutors across the North of England.

“We are on target to achieve our goal of having 60 individual franchise operators by the end of 2020 and we are already in discussions about bringing our ethos to key cities in the United States. We are always keen on talking to ex-teachers and actors who want to run their own business by joining our network. Parents continue to place great value on helping their children develop confident personalities. This, combined with cuts to art and drama budgets, has seen demand for our after-school lessons soar during the past few years. We are in a great place as a business and we are excited to support the launch of new franchises as we grow.”